Two weeks of ownership of my Yeti 2WD 2.0 TDI (110hp) Ambition and covered 1000 kms so here is my initial assessment.

Build quality is fantastic and haven't had the misfortune of rattles or constant squeaking though have observed the minor squeak of the dash trims on the binnicle which seems to be hot weather related.

I have covered a full mixture of drive conditions from unclassified roads to motorway cruising and the SM is responsive and solid taking all that comes it's way with aplomb.

Overall I'm very happy with our purchase and SWMBO loves it, particularly the extra height so she can look around at the surroudings as I drive!

The cabin is bright and roomy and very little roadnoise is audible and what is can be cancelled out by the radio.

Phones connected with Bluetooth first time and it's possible to have a good conversation though some caller shave observed that I seem to be in a wind tunnel at times.

However, I do have some niggles that are starting to cause me some annoyance.

First I just can't seem to to find a comfortable driving position though no doubt that will happen.

One thing is that neither the centre console or door armrest appear to be at the right height for for me to rest elbows on and this could be one reason for the above.

I also miss the small compartment on the door side of the Octy drivers seat as it was perfect for storing coin for the tolls.

Another small niggle is there is nowhere to rest your right foot when using cruise control.

Cruise control, hmmmm, not too sure of it on the Yeti as it seems to be over revving at 100kph, close to 3000rpm compared to around 2300rpm if using right foot on throttle.

Fuel consumption is also high when compared to the Octavia although I realise it's still running in. Octy with 20k km on the clock averaged 4.7 ltrs per 100km while Yeti is averaging 7.2 ltrs per 100km.

The front wipers are next to useless in heavy and seem to be sprung very lightly and the lack of gutters is plainly obvious as the side windows soon show all the crud from the road limiting view of wing mirrors.

Finally, the tyres (Dunlop SP1's) are fine in dry weather and are quiet enough on most surfaces. In the wet they are a different kettle of fish and lose grip on bends leaving one concerned enough to slow down in anticipation of the effect.

Two weeks of ownership of my Yeti 2WD 2.0 TDI (110hp) Ambition and covered 1000 kms so here is my initial assessment.

Build quality is fantastic and haven't had the misfortune of rattles or constant squeaking though have observed the minor squeak of the dash trims on the binnicle which seems to be hot weather related.

I have covered a full mixture of drive conditions from unclassified roads to motorway cruising and the SM is responsive and solid taking all that comes it's way with aplomb.

Overall I'm very happy with our purchase and SWMBO loves it, particularly the extra height so she can look around at the surroudings as I drive!

The cabin is bright and roomy and very little roadnoise is audible and what is can be cancelled out by the radio.

Phones connected with Bluetooth first time and it's possible to have a good conversation though some caller shave observed that I seem to be in a wind tunnel at times.

However, I do have some niggles that are starting to cause me some annoyance.

First I just can't seem to to find a comfortable driving position though no doubt that will happen.

One thing is that neither the centre console or door armrest appear to be at the right height for for me to rest elbows on and this could be one reason for the above.

I also miss the small compartment on the door side of the Octy drivers seat as it was perfect for storing coin for the tolls.

Another small niggle is there is nowhere to rest your right foot when using cruise control.

Cruise control, hmmmm, not too sure of it on the Yeti as it seems to be over revving at 100kph, close to 3000rpm compared to around 2300rpm if using right foot on throttle.

Fuel consumption is also high when compared to the Octavia although I realise it's still running in. Octy with 20k km on the clock averaged 4.7 ltrs per 100km while Yeti is averaging 7.2 ltrs per 100km.

The front wipers are next to useless in heavy and seem to be sprung very lightly and the lack of gutters is plainly obvious as the side windows soon show all the crud from the road limiting view of wing mirrors.

Finally, the tyres (Dunlop SP1's) are fine in dry weather and are quiet enough on most surfaces. In the wet they are a different kettle of fish and lose grip on bends leaving one concerned enough to slow down in anticipation of the effect.

Having come from an Octy 2 Combi myself, I can relate to some of your niggles:

I too miss the smal compartment on the de´river's seat -perfect place to rest my pipe.

The height of the armrests are relatively lower, but you will get used to the one in the door - and the center one cannot be higher, as it would interfere with the reach to the gear lever and handbrake.

I dont' get the cruice control comment. in the same gear and the same road speed, the rpm must be the same?

The front wipers throwing water on the driver's window is RH drive problem, it does not hapen on LH versions. The wipers work well, even at high road speeds.

If you are loosing grip in bends with the Haldex, you must be going way over the prudent velocity - easy to do, as the vehicle feels so competent and quiet. Mine does not have the Dunlops, but Continentals, which perform very well in both wet and dry, but really stunk on simulated hard packed snow in straight line braking. Strangely enough, as long as there was some sideways moton on the skid pad - such as in front or rear wheel skids, they did just fine.

The mileage will improve over time, but don't expect to get below 5.0 l/100km. In my daily driving, I get about 6.5 l/100 km - mostly too short trips; ditto on legal highway speeds and 7.5 at extended high speed trips. Doing a little economy rallye style on A and B roads, 5.5 is not too difficult to achieve. Actually, trying too hard to keep the rpm low during acceleration is detrimental to fuel economy, a little brisk acceleration to get up to speed works better.

Having come from an Octy 2 Combi myself, I can relate to some of your niggles:

I too miss the smal compartment on the de´river's seat -perfect place to rest my pipe.

The height of the armrests are relatively lower, but you will get used to the one in the door - and the center one cannot be higher, as it would interfere with the reach to the gear lever and handbrake.

I dont' get the cruice control comment. in the same gear and the same road speed, the rpm must be the same?

The front wipers throwing water on the driver's window is RH drive problem, it does not hapen on LH versions. The wipers work well, even at high road speeds.

If you are loosing grip in bends with the Haldex, you must be going way over the prudent velocity - easy to do, as the vehicle feels so competent and quiet. Mine does not have the Dunlops, but Continentals, which perform very well in both wet and dry, but really stunk on simulated hard packed snow in straight line braking. Strangely enough, as long as there was some sideways moton on the skid pad - such as in front or rear wheel skids, they did just fine.

The mileage will improve over time, but don't expect to get below 5.0 l/100km. In my daily driving, I get about 6.5 l/100 km - mostly too short trips; ditto on legal highway speeds and 7.5 at extended high speed trips. Doing a little economy rallye style on A and B roads, 5.5 is not too difficult to achieve. Actually, trying too hard to keep the rpm low during acceleration is detrimental to fuel economy, a little brisk acceleration to get up to speed works better.

On fuel consumption, my 140 has averaged 42.5 mpg overall which I believe to be 6.6 l/100 km. On local (low speed) trips I'm getting around 48 mpg (5.9 l/100 km).

I don't think low mpg is the Yeti's strong point and I guess the large frontal area and more machinery to turn with two driven axles (even if one is not being powered) must take their toll.

In this week's edition of UK magazine Autocar, where they have a 1.2 petrol on long-term test, they comment with surprise over the fact they are only getting 32 mpg (8.8 l/100 km).

John

I note that the op has the 2WD version, not 4WD.

I've got the same tyres as the op, and have not had the slightest indication of loss of grip under any weather conditions (so far!) or road surface, or any combination thereof. I've been wondering whether the 4WD was assisting at times - if so, it's not perceptible. I suspect this must mean that it is!

I'm also baffled by the cruise control issue mentioned - assuming you're in the same gear on both occassions, 100kph will attract the same rpm regardless of if manual control or cruise control is being used.

For the side window problem I can suggest applying Rain-X (or similar) to both driver and passenger glass - this seems to assist the airflow in removing almost all water very quickly from the glass, and leaves the mirror quite visible.

My first 1000 km have been covered with a mean of 7.1 l/100 km (on board computer) which is an almost real date.

On the motorways i usually reach 6.0 l/100 km or even less.

The problem comes when you climb hills or mountains. there you can rise over 20 l/100km

Another small niggle is there is nowhere to rest your right foot when using cruise control.

Agree with this. It's one of those things that you don't realise how much you miss something until its not there.

Agree with this. It's one of those things that you don't realise how much you miss something until its not there.

Was there a rightfoot footrest in the Octy then? I've never been in a car with a footrest on the right TBH so it is not something I imagine I'd miss!